Garden Updates

IDNYC @ BBG

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Endures Hurricane Sandy

Release Date: October 31, 2012

Brooklyn, NY—After assessing the effects of Hurricane Sandy on its living collections, Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) will reopen to the public on Friday, November 2. Three areas of the Garden will be cordoned off to allow ongoing cleanup of storm damage.

Dozens of trees throughout the Garden were affected by the storm, particularly near the western perimeter, where a line of 80-year-old little-leaf lindens (Tilia cordata) was felled. In other parts of the Garden, several large pin oaks (Quercus palustris) and a historically significant Chinese parasol tree (Firmiana simplex) were felled or sustained crown damage.

“While the damage to the Garden’s living collections is distressing, we are grateful to have been spared any large-scale storm impact,” said Scot Medbury, president of BBG. “Thanks to the dedicated work of BBG’s horticulture staff, we likely avoided more severe consequences through our ongoing, proactive tree-care program. We look forward to welcoming our community back into the Garden beginning on Friday.”

BBG encourages visitors to enjoy free winter weekday admission on Friday, as well as the special Light in Winter programming that kicks off on Sunday, November 4, with a bird walk, yoga class, and other activities for all ages designed to highlight the Garden’s beauty during colder months. Cherry Esplanade, Steinhardt Conservatory, the Herb Garden, Lily Pool Terrace, and several other iconic gardens—in addition to the Terrace Café and new Visitor Center—will be open and accessible to all.

Storm cleanup is expected to continue over the course of the next month, with protected areas gradually reopening to the public. Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s first priority is the safety of its visitors, staff, and volunteers.

For interviews or more information, contact Kate Blumm at 718-623-7241.

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BBG's Communications staff will be happy to supplement any information found on this site.